Why You Need More Peppermint In Your Life

Most people are aware that herbal medicine is among the oldest forms of healing. In the days before clinical research and modern hospitals, people relied on what nature had to offer to remedy disease and ward off illness. One herb that has a long tradition of medicinal use is peppermint, though that is probably not what most people in the Western world know it for. Nowadays, most people think of chewing gum, mouthwash, or some other such product when they hear the word “peppermint.” But there has been a recent resurgence of interest in traditional herbal remedies, and many people are beginning to appreciate the healing properties of this incredible herb. In this helpful guide, you’ll get a full overview of the benefits of peppermint, and learn why you should be using more of it.

“Peppermint” is a naturally occurring hybrid of two other forms of this plant, water mint and spearmint. The use of peppermint in traditional folk medicines is a practice that goes back thousands of years. Historical research and records show the use of peppermint for healing purposes in Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, Japan, and more.

Peppermint can be used for healing purposes both in its whole leaf form and as an oil, which is more common. Peppermint oil is made via the process of steam distilling the essential oil out from the leaves. The active ingredients to which peppermint’s healing properties can be attributed are menthol and menthone.

One of the earliest uses for peppermint was easing stomach cramps and bowel problems. Teas prepared with peppermint leaves can soothe stomach pain and discomfort, alleviate cramps and diarrhea, and reduce nausea. Modern scientific studies have confirmed the validity of these applications.

One example is irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. A study found that peppermint oil capsules were able to significantly reduce pain in 75 percent of IBS patients (all children) over the course of a two-week experiment.

Peppermint can also help relieve indigestion and bloating, and can serve as a safe and natural alternative to mass-produced medicines. Mix one drop of peppermint oil with water or try drinking a cup of peppermint tea if you are experiencing symptoms.